(GOOGLE MAP of West Seattle for Japan participants’ locations – click here or scroll down WSB home page. Our morning coverage is here. And remember, this continues on into the evening, be part of it tonight!)

We’re in The Junction as the all-day-all-night West Seattle for Japan benefit continues. Above, Dave Montoure of West 5, who hatched the idea, and Pat Schmitt of Peace Winds America, one of the beneficiaries. We talked with them a little while ago to find out exactly what your money is going for – Peace Winds is based in Seattle, with an affiliate in Japan, and people on the ground in four of the hardest-hit cities in northeastern Japan. For just one example – Schmitt says they just delivered more than 500 kerosene stoves, and thousands of gallons of fuel, to areas where quake/tsunami survivors are having a hard time staying warm. The operation is moving soon from relief to recovery – they will need to help rebuild. Peace Winds is one of the largest NGOs (non-government organizations) helping in Japan, Schmitt explains. Montoure used to live in the quake zone and says he has spoken with a friend who told him the situation at shelters is hard to imagine. So your money’s going to a great cause – like the donations being collected in this box at West 5:

And the donation jar near the turntables at Red Cup Espresso about a block north (it’s always Turntable Sunday at Red Cup):

Up California SW a bit further, you’ll find these special bags at Cherry Consignment, bonuses for those buying at least $20:

Then back into the heart of The Junction, Easy Street Records is among those donating part of their proceeds today – here’s our overview of the shopping crowd:

And at Many Moons Trading Company, in the midblock breezeway off the west side of California SW between Oregon and Alaska, sidewalk chalk invites you inside:

On Alaska just east of California, there’s City Mouse Studio and Store (WSB sponsor):

Also, CAPERS, where WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen photographed Mary Summers:

The West Seattle Farmers’ Market is participating too, and we’re off to see what’s going on there – less than half an hour to go, but lots of time to get to the *other* venues (Team WSB is stopping by others too) – the list is on the info tab of the West Seattle for Japan FB page; also, if you missed the link atop this story, we have the 27 participants with storefronts all mapped here. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a community-wide effort to help … we even spotted King County Executive Dow Constantine (getting an origami-crane-making lesson right after we arrived at West 5 just before noon).

ADDED 4:40 PM: Remember, Morgan Junction is in on this too, with Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) and Beveridge Place Pub, which has this cool sign on the sidewalk:

More to come – there’s dinner and entertainment still part of the deal.